“Long Waiting Without Stars” (2009) is both a video installation, and a live performance piece, of a string quartet performing alongside poetry readers in fractured Regency era costumes. The string quartet performs a reverse version of Ludwig van Beethoven’s (1770 – 1827) introspective and extremely technically demanding late period “Große Fuge” composition. This string quartet performance is accompanied by readers presenting the intensely personal image-based ghazal poetry by Canada’s enfant terrible John Thompson (1938 – 1976). This work metaphorically explores the perceived madness that encompassed both these artist’s final years by means of creating a synthesis of the two through music and text.

Imagine the possibilities of using actual pieces of cultural history to make art!

Doren utilizes musical and poetic works, from different historical periods, as a source of material. He combines these ‘quotational’ morsels with contemporary technologies such as video and collaborative performance. Doren surrenders aspects of the piece to the performers, allowing their personalities and methodologies to influence the development of this unconventional experience. It is this kind of freedom, in the creation process, which allows ‘Long Waiting Without Stars’ to feel so intimate.

“Long Waiting Without Stars” is both a video installation, and a performance piece, of a string quartet performing alongside poetry readers in fractured Regency era costumes. The string quartet performs a reverse version of Ludwig van Beethoven’s (1770 – 1827) introspective and extremely technically demanding late period “Große Fuge” composition. This string quartet performance is accompanied by a video of readers presenting the intensely personal image-based ghazal poetry by Canada’s enfant terrible John Thompson (1938 – 1976), who resided in Sackville, NB during the writing of these poems. This work metaphorically explores the perceived madness that encompassed both these artist’s final years by means of creating a synthesis of the two through music and text.”

“The digital operas are performance spectacles that have appropriate historical texts juxtaposed with pop culture references. The work is furthered layered through the exploration and use of variation, intervention, and deviation to reposition meanings and experiences, and challenge the parameters of composition, the performance of western classical music and text. My work to date is an investigation of popular culture and the media, western history, spirituality and personal experiences.”Opening reception for this exhibit is Thursday November 18 at 7:30 pm in the Minarovich Gallery at the Elora Centre for the Arts – The show runs until Dec 23, 2010Everyone is welcome.

Bio: Kenneth Doren is a Canadian multi-media artist and composer whose art installations, videos and digital operas have been presented in Canada, China, Finland, and the U.S.A. His work and practice employs musical interventions and political discourse utilizing video and performance to decode the subject. Doren obtained his MFA from NSCAD University in 2005 and received an Alumni Award from Alberta College of Art and Design for recognition as one of the top 75 students throughout ACAD’s seventy-five year history.